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The Capitals will begin the 2014-15 season with a few new faces, none more notable than the one behind the bench. After 16 years as the only coach in Nashville Predators history, Barry Trotz has been asked to guide the Capitals back into the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons. Here are 10 critical dates in that journey.

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Charles LeClaire - USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 9: Montreal Canadiens at Capitals

The Barry Trotz era officially begins against the Canadiens, a team that surprised the league with a playoff run that ended with a six-game loss to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference finals.

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Eric Bolte - USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 7: Capitals at Chicago Blackhawks

Don’t be surprised to see an HBO camera crew wandering around both locker rooms before this game, as the two teams facing off in the Winter Classic play the only game between them before the real thing on New Year’s Day. The two teams engaged in a highly entertaining 6-4 contest in their season opener last year.

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Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 22: Buffalo Sabres at Capitals

Hard to say whether Michal Neuvirth will be booed or cheered when he makes his first visit to Washington since demanding a trade and being shipped to the Sabres, who are beginning their first season without Ryan Miller since 2002. The guess here is an unwelcome welcome.

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Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

Dec. 27: Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins

Strange that Caps fans have to wait 35 games to see Sidney Crosby take on Alex Ovechkin but with both players in the prime of their careers and adapting to new head coaches, the rivalry promises to have an added twist.

Credit:

Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 1: Chicago Blackhawks at Capitals

The anticipation is building for the Capitals’ first shot at hosting a Winter Classic. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. But not too much. We all know what traffic is like when flakes start flying around here.

Credit:

Charles LeClaire - USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 16: Capitals at Nashville Predators

Barry Trotz already has this one circled on his 2015 calendar. It’s his first visit to Nashville since being fired by the club following the 2013-14 season. It will be an emotional night for the 51-year-old coach, who will be focused on playing the Flyers two nights earlier and visiting Dallas one night later.

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Jerome Miron - USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 1: St. Louis Blues at Capitals

There have been some classic Super Bowl Sunday games at Verizon Center and fans will be jacked up for this 1 p.m. appetizer – especially if the Redskins are still playing.

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Jasen Vinlove - USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 3: Los Angeles Kings at Capitals

Nothing like a measuring stick against the team that has won two of the last three Stanley Cups. Should be a fun night against Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick and Conn Smythe winner Justin Williams, as long as they don’t bring that big silver thing.

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Jayne Komin Oncea - USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 6: Anaheim Ducks at Capitals

Nobody loves Bruce Boudreau more than Caps fans and the portly coach makes his annual visit to Washington with a team that fell one win short of getting to the Western Conference finals, a feat that has eluded Boudreau his entire NHL career.

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Kevin Kuo - USA TODAY Sports

April 11: New York Rangers at Capitals

Yes, folks. The Caps’ playoff fate could come down to the final game of the regular season and what better opponent than the hated Rangers, who ended each of their last two playoff appearances. The Caps and Rangers face each other three times in the Caps’ final 15 games.